No. 5 Shaker had little trouble in its Section 2 Class AA boys soccer opening round playoff game against No. 12 Columbia, as the Blue Bison defeated the Blue Devils 6-0 Thursday, Oct. 18.

Hassan Alfadhil and Evan Austin each scored a pair of goals to lead Shaker (10-3-4) into the quarterfinals, where it will face No. 4 Shenendehowa Saturday, Oct. 20. Jack Acquario contributed a goal and an assist, and Nikhil Metha added a goal.

Goalkeeper Tyler McLaughlin had 13 saves for Columbia (1-14-2).

In another opening round game, No. 6 Saratoga Springs eased past No. 11 Colonie 6-1. Aidan Rice led the Blue Streaks (11-4-0) with two goals and three assists, and Evan Farr recorded a hat trick. Jaden To tallied for the Garnet Raiders (3-14-0).

Quarterfinal match-ups
No. 9 Guilderland at No. 1 Christian Brothers Academy – Saturday, Oct. 20
No. 5 Shaker at No. 4 Shenendehowa – Saturday, Oct. 20
No. 7 Niskayuna at No. 2 Albany – Saturday, Oct. 20
No. 6 Saratoga Springs at No. 3 Bethlehem – Monday. Oct. 22